How Can Monarchs Feed in Pecan Trees?
Solve the Mystery! “Monarchs are interested in drinking fluids containing sugar during their migration,” says Dr. Bill Calvert. “There are lots of aphids and lots of pecans in Texas. Monarchs have been known to ‘feed’ (‘take-in sugar’ would be a better way to describe it), on honeydew deposited by aphids on pecan leaves. Honeydew-coated pecan leaves, yum!” Did you think monarchs ate only nectar? Honeydew is a waste product. It is sweet because it contains sugar. Aphids excrete the sugar their bodies do not need. EVERYTHING is recycled in nature!
